By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

CARLISLE - Counselor Jeff Wall doesn't mind being an underdog.

Not when it means he has the chance to play basketball against some of the stars of the last Cincinnati Reds' World Series champions.

Wall and 14 other Carlisle High School alumni, faculty and community members will play their heroes Sunday in a fund-raiser sponsored by the school's Athletic Boosters.

"I think it will be a competitive game, but we'll be the underdogs," said Wall, a 1987 Carlisle High School graduate. "Our plan is to have as many players as possible and rotate people in and out so they don't get tired. Sometimes the goal is not to win, but just to survive the game."

When they go onto the court the All Stars will be facing four stars of the Reds' 1990 team: pitchers Tom Browning and Rob Dibble, catcher Joe Oliver and first baseman Todd Benzinger.

Rounding out the team are former Reds players relief pitcher Jeff Shaw and infielders Jeff Branson, Mark Lewis and Pete Rose Jr.

"Playing at home will give us a little boost,'' Wall said. "If this were a baseball game, I know we'd be in deep, deep trouble."

The Carlisle All-Stars will go onto the court with no practice, but a lot of enthusiasm and planning to have fun, said Dan Turner, Carlisle High's assistant principal and one of the All Stars.

"This gets the community together. The kids get autographs and it's a chance to actually see real-life major league players," said Turner, a 1987 Carlisle grad who played on the school's basketball team.

"This is definitely Reds country. I think we'll have a good turnout," Wall said.

If You Go

What: Carlisle Celebrity Basketball Game pitting the Carlisle All Stars against former Cincinnati Reds baseball players.

When: Sunday. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Tip-off is 7:30 p.m.

Where: Carlisle High School, 250 Jamaica Road

Tickets: $5 in advance or $8 at the door. Information: 937-746-4481.

Directions: Interstate 75 to Franklin/Springboro exit; Go toward Franklin off the exit ramp, continuing into that city. Go right on Ohio 123. Turn left at the second traffic light (continuation of Ohio 123). Cross two sets of railroad tracks and then turn right on Jamaica Road. The high school is the third building.